Spy from post-Soviet Asian country detained by Polish intelligence, held for three months

A spy working for one of the Asian countries formed after the collapse of the Soviet Union was detained by Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) on Friday, 1 August.

Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW) detained a spy who was operating on behalf of an Asian state that emerged after the Soviet Union's collapse.

Pohto: Courtesy of Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW)

A foreign intelligence officer working for an Asian state formed after the collapse of the Soviet Union has been arrested in Bydgoszcz, northern Poland, and placed in custody for three months, Poland’s Coordinator of Special Services, Tomasz Siemoniak, confirmed.

The man was apprehended by the Internal Security Agency (ABW) on Wednesday, 30 July.

According to the National Prosecutor’s Office, he is accused of participating in the operations of a foreign intelligence service.

Investigators allege that between 15 March and 30 July, in Bydgoszcz and Warsaw, the man operated as a career officer of a foreign military intelligence agency. He is believed to have used diplomatic cover in a European country to conduct espionage activities targeting Poland’s national security and allied military structures.

Prosecutors said the suspect has not admitted to the charges and has offered only a brief statement. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of five to 30 years.

Reacting to the arrest, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned on social media that anyone threatening the country’s security would be caught - sooner rather than later.

W środę funkcjonariusze ABW zatrzymali obywatela jednego z państw azjatyckich powstałych po upadku ZSRS. To kadrowy oficer wywiadu wojskowego, który prowadził działalność wywiadowczą godzącą w bezpieczeństwo RP i wojskowych struktur sojuszniczych. Prokuratura Krajowa przedstawiła… https://t.co/30v4SKVETg

— Tomasz Siemoniak (@TomaszSiemoniak) August 1, 2025

(mp)

Source: ABW/X/@TomaszSiemoniak